As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for a season filled with anticipation and high expectations, all eyes are on one young player whose presence is already causing a stir among fans and analysts alike.

Ivan Demidov, the highly touted right wing, has become the center of countless discussions as speculation swirls about his role in the team’s lineup.

With memories of last season’s surprising line combinations still fresh, many are wondering how the coaching staff will handle Demidov’s development and deployment this year.

Recent comments from management and glimpses during pre-season preparations have only added to the intrigue, hinting at significant decisions being made behind closed doors—decisions that could shape not only Demidov’s career but also the trajectory of the entire Canadiens roster.

Will the coaching staff take a conservative approach, or are they ready to throw the young phenom straight into the fire?

Fans may think they know what to expect, but the reality might be more complex than anyone realizes. As new updates emerge and rumors intensify, the question remains: just how big of a role will Ivan Demidov play this season, and what does that mean for Montreal’s ambitions? The answers may surprise you—read on to discover the inside story.

Apr 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) skates with a puck in warm-up before a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

We all assumed that young Ivan Demidov would start the season in the Montreal Canadiens’ top six forwards.

That said, we must not forget that Demidov played on the third, and even the fourth line last season (especially in the playoffs).

We took it for granted, but it’s easy to forget that players like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Jack Hughes didn’t even start their NHL careers in the top six, but rather on a third line.

So maybe it was a bit premature to take this for granted, but in any case, it was also accurate.

Ivan Demidov will indeed be in the Montreal Canadiens’ top six as soon as this season

This is exactly what we were hoping for.

Rest assured.

We won’t have any unpleasant surprises in that regard.

Ivan Demidov won’t get the SKA treatment: He’ll be in the Canadiens’ top six starting this season.

Now, will it be on the first or second line?

That’s what I’m eager to see, but I imagine he’ll indeed start on the second line (probably with Patrik Laine), with the possibility of joining Nick Suzuki’s line if needed, especially knowing the update Kent Hughes made on Kirby Dach’s health as they prepare offensive replacement.

Finding a good second-line center will obviously be very important for the Montreal Canadiens’ success this season, but it will also be very important to help Ivan Demidov who, at only 19 years old, will immediately be sent into an NHL top-six role.

“His work ethic is unparalleled.” – Kent Hughes on Ivan Demidov. After an impressive debut, he has been skating twice a day all summer and is set to start the season in a top-six role.

How many points do you think he’ll put up?

It really shows how much the Canadiens believe in him!

It will be up to young Demidov to show he’s ready for this rather colossal challenge.